A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Kernel Score: 90% · 13,650 ratings · Rated NC-17
Genres: Science Fiction, Crime
Released: 1971-10-28
Runtime: 137 minutes
Is A Clockwork Orange worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Kubrick's violent satire of a thug who's subjected to forced conditioning. It's bold, unforgettable and extremely disturbing, and not an easy watch.
Watch it if you
- want challenging, provocative cinema
- like Kubrick
- enjoy dark satire
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence and sexual assault
- want an easy evening
Best for: Serious film-buff night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch A Clockwork Orange
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
In a near-future Britain, young Alexander DeLarge and his pals get their kicks beating and raping anyone they please. When not destroying the lives of others, Alex swoons to the music of Beethoven. The state, eager to crack down on juvenile crime, gives an incarcerated Alex the option to undergo an invasive procedure that'll rob him of all personal agency. In a time when conscience is a commodity, can Alex change his tune?
A Clockwork Orange parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that A Clockwork Orange is an NC-17 dystopian classic depicting graphic gang violence, sexual assault, and disturbing social commentary, strictly for mature audiences.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Graphic depictions of gang violence, beatings, and home invasion by a group of delinquents, per the plot and keywords.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Includes sexual violence and disturbing sexuality as part of the gang's rampage, reflected in the NC-17 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NC-17 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Clockwork Orange
If you liked A Clockwork Orange, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Shining (1980) — 95%: Kubrick's chilling horror classic
- Full Metal Jacket (1987) — 90%: Kubrick's harsh look at war and dehumanisation
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) — 94%: Kubrick's more cerebral sci-fi
- Brazil (1985) — 84%: Dark dystopian satire
- Trainspotting (1996) — 88%: Edgy, dark portrait of young men on the edge
- Pulp Fiction (1994) — 93%: Violent, darkly funny crime classic
Director
Cast
- Malcolm McDowell as Alex
- Patrick Magee as Mr. Alexander
- Carl Duering as Dr. Brodsky
- Michael Bates as Chief Guard
- Warren Clarke as Dim
- James Marcus as Georgie
- Michael Tarn as Pete
- Miriam Karlin as Catlady
- Adrienne Corri as Mrs. Alexander
- Sheila Raynor as Mum
A Clockwork Orange FAQ
Is A Clockwork Orange worth watching?
Depends on your taste. Kubrick's violent satire of a thug who's subjected to forced conditioning. It's bold, unforgettable and extremely disturbing, and not an easy watch.
Where can I watch A Clockwork Orange?
In the US you can stream A Clockwork Orange on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Clockwork Orange OK for kids?
A Clockwork Orange is rated NC-17. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that A Clockwork Orange is an NC-17 dystopian classic depicting graphic gang violence, sexual assault, and disturbing social commentary, strictly for mature audiences.
What movies are like A Clockwork Orange?
If you liked A Clockwork Orange, try The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Brazil.